With only five minutes of actual college basketball game time under his belt the Providence Friars‘ best player is out for a month. Vincent Council inured his hamstring while the Friars beat the almighty New Jersey Institute of Technology(That’s a real team) in their opening game.

Not only was Council the Friars’ best player but the team has already been ravaged by injuries and players ruled ineligible by the NCAA. Stud freshman Kris Dunn is lost for the season with a shoulder injury and Ricky Ledo was ruled ineligible by the governing body of collegiate sports with no timetable for his return announced.

Many people have predicted Providence to finish near the bottom of the Big East. The loss of a preseason First Team Big East Player in Council only helps trend the team further downward. Luckily for the Friars the rest of their games during that timetable aren’t exactly world-beaters. And even if he misses the whole month he’ll likely be back for the start of conference play.

What’s in store for the Friars while Council licks his wounds is iffy at best. Considering the loss of three of their most talented players it’s hard to believe the team they have left can be competitive. Providence head coach Ed Cooley is going to have his hands full trying to find new ways to put the ball in the basket. If you’re a Friars fan you’re day just got a lot worse by the Council news and the early goings of your non-conference schedule now became far more daunting.

Keep your head up Providence Friar fan. Because really, were you expecting to be that good anyway.

Joe covers the Big East for Rant Sports and just took an unnecessary shot at Providence. Follow him on Twitter @JosephNardone